This coming Sunday, Jews around the world celebrate Shavuot, which Christians call Pentecost. It occurs exactly 5o days after Passover. What is the embedded meaning in this singular summer feast? With three Spring feasts and three Fall feasts, how is this one unique for both Jews and Christians? Last week Jerusalem Day was celebrated in Israel, marking 49 years since its liberation and reunification through the Six Day War of 1967.
But this week hearts turn to the majestic march of the history of the Jewish nation. It speaks of Yehovah’s choosing and blessing of Israel, as a means to bless all the nations of the earth. Judaism teaches that God gave the Law of Mt. Sinai on Shavuot. The Bible clearly teaches the feast as the first fruits of the wheat harvest. The Book of Ruth is usually read at this time since it took place in the wheat harvest and tells the beautiful love story of Boaz and Ruth. King David was their great-grandson.
Shavuot was also the first day on which people could bring the Bikkurim (first fruits) to the Temple in Jerusalem. The first fruits were brought from the Seven Species for which the Land of Israel is praised: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.
For Yehovah your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing; a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you can dig copper. When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless Yehovah your God for the good land which He has given you. Deuteronomy 8:7-10
“And it shall be, when you come into the land which Yehovah your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you possess it and dwell in it, that you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground, which you shall bring from your land that Yehovah your God is giving you, and put it in a basket and go to the place where Yehovah your God chooses to make His name abide. And you shall go to the one who is priest in those days, and say to him, ‘I declare today to Yehovah your God that I have come to the country which Yehovah swore to our fathers to give us.’” Deuteronomy 26:1-3
So, we see that Israel became the first fruit nation of Yehovah at Sinai. But also in His sovereign timing, Shavuot/Pentecost was also the exact day that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the first fruits of the early church. This would lead to the whole world being blessed through the seed of David, the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jesus/Yeshua had to be a descendant of King David to qualify as the Promised Messiah. He Himself was the first fruit from the dead and He poured out the Holy Spirit after ascending to His throne at the Heavenly Father Yehovah’s right hand. Blessed be His holy name forever!
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the soon coming Messiah!
Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (READ MORE)
Elisha Vision - Commentary 
What is Shavuot?
25 05 2023Fifty days after Passover is the Biblical Feast of Shavuot, or Weeks. It starts at sundown tonight 5-25-23. Three times a year Israel gathers to Jerusalem according to Leviticus 23 to observe the feasts of Yehovah. “It was originally an agricultural festival, marking the beginning of the wheat harvest. During the Temple period, the first fruits of the harvest were brought to the Temple, and two loaves of bread made from the new wheat were offered.” This feast is lessor know but has great importance and Biblical meaning. The Jews believe it was the time when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. Christians celebrate it as Pentecost which also means “fiftieth day.” The Holy Spirit was poured on the early Jewish believers as described in the second chapter of Acts. This was the first fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy.
Both of these shared events (Shavuot and Pentecost) are fulfilled for believers. The Commandments engraved in stone represent the written word. The gift of the Holy Spirit represents the power and presence of God in our lives. The Holy Spirit provided to us is the only way we can walk in His word. Notice both word and Spirit are included in this next verse.
We trusted YEHOVAH GOD after we heard the WORD of truth. Then we were sealed with the promised HOLY SPIRIT. We now can recognize Father, Son, and Holy Spirit coming together to allow us access to the presence of God the Father in the very throne room of heaven. Jesus is the living Word and the Holy Spirit is the Seal of our relationship. These three working in perfect unity usher us into intimacy with Yehovah God. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!
We celebrate Shavuot/Pentecost beginning at sundown tonight in the Jewish calendar and this Sunday in the Christian calendar.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, wisdom for Prime Minister Netanyahu, and for rain in season.
Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists (Read more)
Why do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the explanation in my book: The Hebrew God Who Has No Name. And here is a link to a great visual from my friend Keith Johnson.
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Tags: Christian Zionist, Israel, Jerusalem, Pentecost, Shavuot, Shavuot/Pentecost, Yehovah
Categories : Israel Commentary